The Alamo

Monday morning found us at the Alamo!! It sprinkled a little bit during our visit, but that didn't dampen our spirits! I think most of us came away with a deeper appreciation for what happened there and the men that gave their lives so freely.

I've often wondered where the name "Alamo" came from and I had it answered here! "According to some historians, the name "Alamo" was derived from a row of Cottonwood Trees growing on the banks of the Acequia, Alamo being the Spanish word for Cottonwood."

"It was here that a gallant few, the bravest of the brave, threw themselves between the enemy and the settlements, determined never to surrender nor retreat. They redeemed their pledge to Texas with the forfeit of their lives- the fell the chosen sacrifice to Texas freedom- Newell"
They in essence bought the United States a little time in which to gather a force that would repel the Mexicans (correct me if I am wrong, but this is how I understood it) due to the losses that they (and the weather) had inflicted on the Mexicans.
This beautiful monument paid tribute to these men....
"In Memory of the heroes who sacrificed their lives at the Alamo, March 6, 1836, in the defense of Texas. They chose never to surrender, nor retreat. These brave hearts with flag still proudly waving, perished in the flames of immortality that their high sacrifice might lead to the founding of this Texas"
This scene was depicted on two sides of the monument although they were both unique (I think the other side had a person taking aim instead of a cannon). The names of all two hundred men were inscribed underneath.

"Loo Ashy, Bi Dun"!

This Live Oak was incredible!!! I wish we had one around our place!!! They had thick wires attached to limbs to keep them from cracking off!
"In the early parts of the twentieth century, many San Antonio residents believed it was impossible to transplant full grown trees. Walter Whall-a retired English seaman-started San Antonio's first tree moving company and proved that it could be done. He carefully removed the earth from around the roots of the tree and then used a block and tackle to lift it out of the ground. They transported the mature tree through the streets on a wagon pulled by four mules. Whall contended that the hardest part about moving a full grown tree was avoiding power and telegraph lies. This Live Oak was approximately 40 years old when Whall brought it to the Alamo in 1912. The Base of this century old tree now measures twelve feet in circumference while it's main branches are over fifty (?) feet long"

What I call "Alamo Park"!